Southern Railway staff accept Olympic bonus

Southern Railway employees have voted to accept a recognition and reward deal, which will see staff receive a basic bonus payment of £300 during the Olympics.

The total reward package, which includes an additional £28 per day available for rest day and Sunday working and £50 for additional late night turns, is in line with agreements on other London train operators.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport workers (RMT) is still in discussion with South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western.

A statement from Southern Railway said: “We are pleased that we have reached an agreement with our rail unions over recognising our employee’s commitment to supporting the games and delivering great customer service during this time.”

Bob Crow, general secretary at RMT, added: “RMT is delighted that we have been able to secure a fair Olympics deal on Southern trains, which recognises the additional pressures on staff throughout the games period.

“This agreement shines the spotlight on South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western where the companies are still refusing to play fair.

“We cannot have a situation where some rail staff are being properly rewarded for Olympics working and others are being dealt a slap round the face and we would hope that those companies where we are in dispute will see the sense in concluding agreements that are fair and sensible.”